Seaweed gel may prevent HIV infection

Seaweed could be the unlikely key to protection against HIV and unwanted childbirth.

Scientists have discovered that a gel made from the plant can prevent sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.

And the abundance of seaweed means the gel should be affordable for Third World countries.

According to Jo Robinson of the Terence Higgins Trust, the discovery could be a huge breakthrough. She said: "We think this could end up costing around 1p per sachet, which would really help some poorer nations, where the problem of HIV infection is at its worst."

Major clinical trials of the gel, being developed by the Population Council in New York, should begin next year.

Called Carraguard, it works by stopping microbes attaching to the outer layer of the reproductive tract.